Georgia colleges’ online degree programs among tops in the nation

Georgia’s colleges and universities have some of the best online degree programs in the country, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

The University of Georgia ranked fifth among all colleges for best online bachelor’s degree programs. The state’s flagship institution also earned high marks for its online graduate programs in education, ranking third among all schools.

The rankings reflect UGA’s commitment to delivering a world-class learning experience, whether on our campuses or online, said UGA president Jere Morehead. “Through a growing number of online degree programs, working professionals and other nontraditional students have opportunities to advance their careers by earning a degree from (UGA).”

U.S. News’ 2016 rankings of online programs, released Tuesday, examines more than 1,200 online degree programs at colleges and universities across the country. The rankings include programs in eight categories, including best bachelor’s programs; along with best graduate programs for nursing, engineering, education and other online programs.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (24th), American InterContinental University (30th) — which has a campus in Atlanta — and Georgia College and State University (49th) also ranked in the top 50 schools for best online bachelor’s programs.

U.S. News scored the programs on various categories including student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services, admissions selectivity and technology and peer reputation. Schools with tied scores tied in the rankings.

Georgia institutions also placed well among master’s degree programs in business administration and other graduate programs.

Georgia College and State (22nd), Georgia Southern University (28th) and Kennesaw State University (28th) ranked among the top 50 online MBA programs.

“(The rankings) affirm that our programs are valued and respected beyond our campus borders and validates our commitment to provide talented students with rigorous and high-quality degree programs, allowing them to maintain a healthy balance between their workplace, their families and their academic pursuits,” said Elke Leeds, associate vice president for technology enhanced learning at Kennesaw State.